When I tell people I’m a mechanical engineering major, I often receive one response: “Wow, I feel terrible for you, that’s awful. I don’t know how you survive”. I never understand why people say this, because to me, mechanical engineering isn’t something I have to “survive”. It’s something I’m lucky to get to study, and it is something that empowers me every day. So, think that these people don’t truly understand what being a mechanical engineering student means, and they’re missing out!
During my time at USC thus far, I’ve already built two technical projects. One of which, a robot, competed against other teams for the prize of “King of the Hill”, or best robot. My other project, a bridge, has been 3D-printed and will be tested against other teams to see which bridge can handle the most stress. While these projects required a lot of work and perseverance, I can honestly say that I’ve had the most fun getting to work with all these ideas and iterations, and I’m proud of how I have pushed my creative limits.
Additionally, mechanical engineering has opened up several opportunities to participate in a diverse set of clubs. Whether you’re interested in cars, rockets, or even roller coasters, there are clubs at USC dedicated to anything you could possibly imagine. I’m currently on the USC Racing team, and I’ve already provided multiple contributions to the car we’ll be competitively racing in Michigan next semester! Before college I had never seen a racing car up close in person, and now I’m helping build one! How cool is that?
But my mechanical engineering major is not just about the technical aspects or cool gadgets I get to play with. It’s also about continuing to challenge myself every day. That’s why, along with my engineering work, I’m taking a dance class next semester! I’ve never danced before, but I’m not going to let that stop me from trying something new and challenging. That’s exactly why this class will be perfect for me. It doesn’t have anything to do with engineering, but it has everything to do with who I want to be, and that’s a well-rounded and educated individual who isn’t afraid of a challenge.
Finally, I think the best part of being a mechanical engineering major is getting to join a community of hard working and passionate engineers with different backgrounds and ideas. The diverse perspectives I’ve gained this semester just from getting to talk and work with my peers has really improved how I think and live, and I couldn’t be more grateful for those experiences. Together we laugh about how Reynolds number should be spelled, talk about the latest news with our TAs, and just have the best time hanging out.
So yes, being a mechanical engineering major can be hard, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a way of life. I love my major even on difficult days, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
